Locals to celebrate with Harry and Meghan

The council has awarded Royal Wedding Grants totalling more than £13,500 to 34 groups for special parties to mark the couple’s big day.

Events are due to take place in Lisburn and many surrounding villages, including Hillsborough - home of the Royal family’s official residence in Northern Ireland.

Wishing the happy couple well for their big day, Mayor Tim Morrow said: “I am absolutely delighted for them.

“I was fortunate enough to meet both of them at the Eikon Centre earlier this year and it was brilliant to see them together. There were 3,500 children there and they (Harry and Meghan) were just brilliant with them. They set such a great example.

“I wish them all the very best for their big day and their future together.”

Lagan Valley MP Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, who also met the couple during their visit to the Eikon Centre, added: “Everyone I speak to is very excited about the Royal wedding.

“I know there are many community events taking place across the Lagan Valley area to mark the wedding and there’s going to be a great celebratory atmosphere.

“On behalf of the local community I would like to wish Harry and Meghan all the very best for their big day and hope they will enjoy many happy years together.”

Prince Harry and Ms Markle will marry at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.

The wedding ceremony is scheduled to start at 12 noon.

• The full list of local groups holding council-supported celebrations is:

Annahilt and Magheraconluce CA

Atlas Women’s Centre

Ballinderry Residents Association

Ballybeen Christ Church Youth Council

Ballybeen Women’s Centre

Ballymacash Rangers FC

Ballymacash Regeneration Network

Brookmount Cultural & Education Soc

Carryduff Play Centre

Carryduff Reirement Group

Derriaghy Hall Committee

Downshire Ulster Scots Society

Drumbo and District Community Assoc

Drumlough Community Association

Glenavy Community Partnership

Halftown Residents Association

Hilden Community Association

Hillhall Regeneration Group

Hillsborough Old Guard

Homestart Lisburn/Colin

Killynure Community Association

Knockmore Community Association

LCC Community Trust

Lisburn Temperance Junior

Listullycurran Truth Defenders

Maghaberry Community Association

Moneyreagh & District CA

Old Warren Community Association

Pound Bridge & District CA

Railway Street Ulster British Society

Stoneyford District Forum

Thursday Club

Tonagh Neighbourhood Initiatives

North Lisburn Senior Citizens Wednesday Club